K-5 Online Learning FAQs:
What are these diagnostics?
When a student starts Pathblazer Reading and/or Math, they automatically take a Screener which determines the student's general level of learning. Then they take a diagnostic PRE-TEST which is a more in-depth assessment. That assessment is lengthy and should be taken in 30 minute chunks of time with breaks in between. (It is important that students are not given any help to complete the diagnostic. Also, turn up the volume on the device because the screener and diagnostic has audio and much of it is read to the students.)
Once the PRE-test is completed, the student will be put on a learning path which will have multiple assignments, videos, etc. The learning path is when we encourage parents to sit with their students and watch, help, clarify, etc. Just like a teacher would do.
Once the learning path assignments are completed, the student is directed to the Diagnostic POST-test which will measure learning. If the student achieved competency, then they will be directed to the next level Diagnostic PRE-test, learning path and Post test.
So - Screener, Diagnostic PRE Test A, Learning Path, Diagnostic POST Test A.
Are we supposed to help them at all?
Yes, on the learning path instruction and activities but not the Diagnostics or Screener
I feel like my kids are far behind where they should be because this has taken too long.
They are not behind. There is no timeline.
What is this going to mean for them?
There are no consequences or grades that you or they need to worry about. You can access weekly reports on their progress in the program. They cannot fail as long as they are logging in everyday. We know how hard you are all working.
I wish we would have had better directions.
We understand. Unfortunately, every school in the United States (and there are 130,930 of them) needed to acquire a digital learning program for the fall and there are not very many companies who provide programs. Although we contracted with the company in early August, the company, Edgenuity, was unable to upload our students until September 6th nor could they provide training to our staff because they were totally booked. Our 3 person online monitoring team, Mrs. Rhoades, Mrs. Rowland and Mrs. Spencer, were trained this past Monday. We received more specific directions Tuesday which I am going to post and attach to this email. I recognize that this could have been “rolled out” in a better way but we also knew that parents and kids wanted to get learning going. In hindsight, we probably should have waited until the end of September and provided better directions to families.
How can I get help when I need it?
As we fine-tune the program, our team is working together, taking calls and emails and determining how to best and who to best to address the particular issue. I'm sorry we didn't get back to you last week, but we are trying, one family at a time.
Mrs. Rowland is having in-person help sessions for kids and families to better understand the program and how to use the Chromebook and iPad. Please let us know if you would like to set up a time to meet with her.